Inside Asian Gaming

IAG JAPAN JUN 2020 64 FEATURES P artners in Japan and leaders within the communities in which they operate, Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) and Monte- Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) have also emerged on the front foot in the battle against COVID-19. Since the spread of coronavirus first reared its head in Macau in late January, GEG has been at the heart of efforts to help those in need and was among the early movers when it came to offering a helping hand. The company initiated financial assistance as early as 2 February 2020 when it announced donations via the Galaxy Entertainment Group Foundation totaling MOP$25 million (US$3.1 million), including MOP$20 million (US$2.5 million) to Hubei Province – where the COVID-19 outbreak originated – to assist in relief efforts. The donation was used to purchase medical supplies and equipment that were in urgent demand in the region at the time. The remaining MOP$5 million was donated to support prevention initiatives in the local Macau community, with a special GEG task force set up to help accelerate implementation of the initiative. The company had previously donated disinfectant and hygiene products to the Women’s General Association of Macau and the Fuhong Society of Macau to better prepare their staff in assisting with the sale of face masks to the public. Shortly afterwards, GEG also announced the donation of one million face masks to the Macau SAR Government, Zhuhai City Government and Hengqin New Area Government at a time when accessing safety equipment was becoming increasingly difficult due to demand. The donation included 500,000 masks to Macau and another 500,000 to Zhuhai and Hengqin. In early March, GEG stepped in to support local Macau SMEs (small and medium-sizes enterprises) by subscribing to HK$100 million of SME-themed (Left to right) Li Guang, General Manager of the Bank of China Macau Branch; Lei Wai Nong, Secretary for Economy and Finance of Macao SAR Government; and Francis Lui, Vice Chairman of GEG. (左から)中国銀行マカオ支店李光接支店長、マカオ経済財政庁の李偉農長官、そしてGEGフランシス・ルイ副会長